Hello and welcome back! December 31st has finally arrived! Happy Birthday Tom! Now let's get this bread! Y'all feel free to share ya thoughts! To those who liked, review, favorite this fic of mine, this chapter is for you! ;D

~Force of Nature~

This Burden

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Callum cursed under his breath. The taste of the girl still lingering on his lips. A partial void still filling him. He knew it was the same for Hermione. Yet, there was no denying that it was a step forward in plans.

He and Hermione were connected. The signature of her magic intertwined with his own like a searing brand.

Still it didn't change how he felt. The rage didn't subside. He could feel his magic reacting. It was to be expected. He often had that effect on him.

Tom treated him as if he was that insignificant. A mere annoying swot so to speak.

Callum bit his lip. Fingers clenched. His breathing labored. He knew that he could take it further with Tom.

He'd find a way. Hermione was the key after all.

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Harry frowned scrunching up the parchment into a ball and tossing it back. The paper hitting Draco.

"Watch it, Potter. "

The parchment burst in flames.

Harry turned in his direction. The chair making a loud creak.

"Oh it's you. "

Draco pulled out a chair and sat across the dark haired young man. Scoffing to himself.

"What did you expect? The last thing I need is for my grades to drop. "

Harry shrugged.

"Can't seem to buy yourself out with all your wealth. "

"Not everything I do revolves around my fortune. " Draco snapped.

They stared at each other. An unspeakable thrum built between them. Harry blinked when Draco suddenly set one of his books in front of him.

"You appear to be in a struggle. "

Harry flushed. His fingers shifting his frames on his face.

"Well I'm not the greatest at this. " He muttered.

Draco quirked an eyebrow.

"I noticed."

"Why are you being like this? "

Harry gestured dramatically.

Draco shrugged. The curve of his lips turning upwards into a smirk.

"Does it unnerve you, Potter? "

Harry was about to answer when Ginny appeared beside him. Glaring at the younger Malfoy twin.

"So here you are. Little weasel back from your tryst. "

Harry froze at the implication. His thoughts turning. The hand upon his shoulder falling away. This was news to him.

Ginny sneered.

"You don't know what your talking about. "

"I do but Harry here doesn't. Go ahead tell him about your extra curricular activities. "

Her wand was out in seconds.

"I don't need to explain myself. "

Harry stood up. Pulling his things together.

"If you guys don't actually mind. I do need to study in silence. "

He left without another word.

Draco didn't flinch at the wand suddenly digging into his cheek. Ginny's voice was icy.

"What I do with my life is my business alone, Malfoy. "

"Abraxas is my business!" He hissed out, knocking her wand away from him.

Suddenly they were both dispersed from one another by an unseen force. It prickled in the air.

"Miss Weasley and Mr. Malfoy, If you can't abide by the rules here then I will kick you both out. " Came the stern voice of Professor Pince.

They didn't comment but stared at one another a few moments. Draco sighed putting his things in bag before he exit the library. Going in opposite directions from Ginny.

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As the clock chimed. Hermione shifted out of the disillusionment spell. The last of 4th year students leaving the classroom.

The sudden wave of magic bubbled within her throat. Silence no longer holding back her words. Tom folded his arms, regarding her with a tilt of his head. His expression was nonchalant.

"Do you wish to say something, Miss Granger?"

It didn't take long for her ire to seep itself into words. Her stance straightening and her eyes burned.

"I find your theory of dark magic preposterous. You think that defense against the dark arts won't be enough but instead have them become accustomed to the dark. It will only taint them with each use. "

His lips twitched at the statement. Of course, Tom knew of her view of the subject. So why not press her into a lesson. The pale yew wand was out in seconds.

"Draw out your wand, Miss Granger. "

Not flinching, she pulled it out. Curious and peeved all at once. She knew that he wanted to show her. She still wanted to prove him wrong.

"Every witch and wizard has the ability to use dark or light magic. Now there is a line between the two. I want you to get there. You won't succumb to the dark unless you will it yourself. Now Miss Granger, concentrate and release."

Tom moved his wand, extending from his chest and flicked in several directions until a opal color emitted from his entire being. It shimmered and she could feel the raw energy. Not quite dark at all.

So she tried.

Hermione pursed her lips. Concentration not really keeping her still. Every few moments she'd fidget and let out a huff.

Tom watched with dry amusement. The way her wand would move in a smooth pattern. Yet, it wasn't quite correct in movement.

Silently, he grasped her waist. Hermione startled as his other hand guided her movement.

"Like so, it takes practice. Not everyone catches it on the first try. "

Her body tried to relax but she couldn't help the nerves racing in her skin. Tom's proximity was highly distracting. The fine subtle build of him. Utterly male. The simple touch of his fingers leaving an invisible imprint.

Hermione bit her lip. Trying to focus.

"Close your eyes. "

It was a simple command.

She inhaled before closing her eyes. A ripple spread as she was guided into the movement. Exhaling, Hermione shivered as her magic glowed a pale pink hue. Tom was still speaking, it lured and ensnared all at once; she couldn't help but open her eyes.

"Following your instincts will assist with your magic. Don't hesitate just let it go. "

The color was vibrant and she could feel it brimming over. It was visually breathtaking. Her breath hitched as Tom laid a kiss on the nape of her neck.

It was gentle, his fingers tracing the mark. Her body felt the sudden emptiness. Then her mind went back to that moment with Callum. The way his lips had slanted over hers. How wrong it felt.

"Don't do that. "

Sharp teeth nipped as Tom berated her. Hermione sighed as the display of magic faded from view. She couldn't help it. Still, Tom ran his hands over her. As if to coax her back into her senses.

Those lips of his became even more daring. Leaving a heated trail that made her clench with a sudden need.

The buttons came undone and next she felt her skirt pool to the floor. Tom turned her slowly. Those dark blue eyes taking her in. Hunger seeped into her. It coiled within her.

Hermione held her breath as she was lifted onto the large desk. Her body splayed out for his eyes alone. The cold hard wood making her shiver. The wild curls bringing a lovely aesthetic as she stared up at Tom.

"It's intriguing how pure you appear to be. " Tom spoke while dipping his head low.

"No one will ever see you tremble as I do. "

It was a both a threat and promise.

Tom's fingers nimbly removing her knickers. Wet heat circled her center, making Hermione groan.

Tom licked and swirled his tongue over her exposed folds. Taking careful consideration in her pleasure.

It was unlike anything she'd ever experience. Pressure built and she gripped the edge of the desk, spreading her legs ever so. Losing herself to the sensation.

She couldn't resist looking down at Tom. How perfectly poised he was, the way his eyes burned. It flickered a red hue that briefly took her aback. She'd come back to that later.

"Tom" she gasped

Those slender digits entered with a steady rhythm. His mouth still working over her clit. It sent her spiraling till she seen dots in her vision.

Her breathing hitched and she moaned as her fingers threaded into his dark hair. She pulled none too gently, earning a growl from Tom. It spurned her on.

She was chasing a high.

Rocking against those lips of his.

Trying to reach that place.

Burning and burning.

Then it rushed through her.

Hermione cried out, her limbs quaking in the aftermath of her first orgasm. Her body sagging back down.

Tom pulled himself up. Staring down at his helpless, shivering girl. He smirked, beyond pleased.

"Do you know what this is? "

Hermione inhaled at the sudden touch of his hands pressing into her hips. It was just astonishing contrast between heat and cold. His lips barely grazing hers as he leaned forward.

Her magic brushed against his.

"Surrender? "

Tom took her bottom lip between his.

"Mmm no. I'd say this is borderline release."

Those lips drunk her reply seconds later. The sensation sinking into her. She no longer felt emptiness. How far would Tom have her following? She didn't have the answer.

He pulled away after a moment. Those dark hues watching her, his breathing ragged.

"I believe I kept you long enough. "

Hermione felt the familiar walls board up when it came to him. The way his tone went for dismissal. She honestly should've known better.

Her body acting on instinct. She stood up, collecting her clothes as shame and regret filled her. Hermione let the magic rush as she turned to face him. Anger filling her expression.

"I'm not yours to treat as a pet you'll grow bored of. "

Tom licked his lips. The taste of her even more prominent. Despite giving her the release, he didn't feel the unbridled need to chase his own. His smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Oh are you unsatisfied? While you shake and crumble beneath my lips, did you not think that this burden is on you? "

Her magic flared dangerously. Tendrils striking out like an electric current.

"So that's all this is to you? "

"What do you want from me, Hermione? Love given to you on a silver platter. " He mocked darkly.

Hurt filled her but she bit her lip hard. Keeping the tears at bay. What did she expect? He had left for months without as a much of a good-bye. She sniffed, glaring.

"Well consider this the last time, Tom. "

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He scoffed at her childish antics. This was the problem with young witches. Always wanting more than they could handle. Hoping to be consumed by love. Well he didn't want it. Never felt it. It was a waste. An idiotic phase. She was just the same as the rest.

Tom wouldn't budge for her.

"By all means show yourself out, Miss Granger. " He emphasized her name with an icy undertone.

It took seconds for her back to turn and slam the door on her way out. Tom rolled his eyes.

Petty little witch.

He approached his desk, pulling out his quill and ink. Tom cursed when he accidentally spilled the ink onto his robes.

Honestly, couldn't his night be better?

A few knocks at his door and in came a disheveled Draco Malfoy. The boy looked worse for wear. Tom arched a brow.

"What brings you here, Draco? "

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